Michelson-Morley Exp: Laws of Reflection Explained

In summary, the conversation discusses a problem with the Michelson Morley experiment and whether the laws of reflection are being followed in the reference frame of the mirror. It is mentioned that the laws of reflection are valid in the mirror frame of reference and the lab frame can be used to confirm this.
  • #1
GAURAV DADWAL
37
1
Michelson-Morley Exp..png
Hello there,
I have a problem with this image from the Michelson Morley experiment in which one tries to calculate the time taken by the light beam to traverse the arm of interferometer perpendicular to the velocity of the frame in 'ether'.
So the problem is, Are laws of reflection being followed where the light beam encounters the first mirror?. The angle of incidence does not appear to be equal to the angle of reflection.
Any comments...
 

Attachments

  • Michelson-Morley Exp..png
    Michelson-Morley Exp..png
    12.6 KB · Views: 1,218
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
The mirror is moving, in the reference frame of the mirror the reflection leaves under the angle you would expect.
 
  • Like
Likes russ_watters and GAURAV DADWAL
  • #3
mfb said:
The mirror is moving, in the reference frame of the mirror the reflection leaves under the angle you would expect.
meaning, the laws of reflection are valid in the mirror frame of reference.
 
  • #4
Right. This reference frame is the lab frame, where we can check that the reflection works as expected.
 
  • #5
Thanx:smile:
 

1. What is the Michelson-Morley experiment?

The Michelson-Morley experiment was a scientific experiment conducted in the late 19th century by Albert Michelson and Edward Morley to measure the relative motion of the Earth through the hypothetical luminiferous ether, a medium thought to be necessary for the propagation of light. The experiment aimed to detect the existence of this ether by measuring the difference in the speed of light in different directions.

2. What were the results of the Michelson-Morley experiment?

The results of the Michelson-Morley experiment were unexpected and controversial, as they showed that the speed of light was constant in all directions, regardless of the Earth's motion. This contradicted the prevailing theory of the luminiferous ether and paved the way for Albert Einstein's theory of special relativity.

3. How did the Michelson-Morley experiment lead to the development of the theory of relativity?

The Michelson-Morley experiment's results were a major challenge to the existing theory of the luminiferous ether and sparked intense scientific debate. This ultimately led to the development of Albert Einstein's theory of special relativity, which provided a new understanding of the nature of space, time, and the speed of light.

4. What is the significance of the Michelson-Morley experiment in the field of physics?

The Michelson-Morley experiment is considered to be one of the most important experiments in the history of physics. Its results played a crucial role in the development of the theory of relativity and challenged the existing understanding of light and motion. It also paved the way for further scientific discoveries and advancements in the field of physics.

5. How does the Michelson-Morley experiment relate to the laws of reflection?

The Michelson-Morley experiment was not directly related to the laws of reflection. However, it did have implications for our understanding of light and its behavior, including reflection. The experiment showed that the speed of light is constant in all directions, which is a fundamental principle of the laws of reflection. It also demonstrated the importance of questioning and challenging existing theories in the pursuit of scientific progress.

Similar threads

  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
14
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
20
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
18
Views
1K
Replies
16
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
31
Views
2K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
5
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
13
Views
1K
Replies
3
Views
431
  • Special and General Relativity
Replies
8
Views
1K
  • Special and General Relativity
2
Replies
62
Views
4K
Back
Top